Srinagar, Dec 23: Arunachal Pradesh Police have arrested two more men from Kupwara district for allegedly spying and sharing sensitive information with handlers based in Pakistan, officials said.
The accused have been identified as Aijaz Ahmed Bhat and Bashir Ahmad Ganai. With their arrest on December 18, the total number of accused in the case has risen to five. They were brought to Arunachal Pradesh from Kupwara and are currently in police custody.
Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Chukhu Apa said preliminary investigations indicate the accused were collecting sensitive information from different parts of Arunachal Pradesh and transmitting it to Pakistan-based handlers. The investigation is ongoing, and police are awaiting forensic reports.
Earlier, police arrested Nazir Ahmad Malik and Sabir Ahmed Mir on November 21, followed by the arrest of Shabir Ahmed Khan from Itanagar, all residents of Kupwara.
Police said the accused were mostly blanket sellers who travelled across the state, allegedly using the movement to gather information. The operation was carried out based on credible intelligence inputs under the leadership of Itanagar SP Jummar Basar.
The IGP urged residents, particularly in the Itanagar Capital Region, to verify documents before allowing anyone to stay in rented accommodations.
